Frew opt for keeper switch

Published 23 Jun 2010 16:06 0 Comments

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By Kristian Truelsen

RENFREW have snapped up sought-after keeper Kevin Bell - but last season's star stopper Dean Sexton will leave Western Park.

Bell has enjoyed a superb season with Kirkintilloch Rob Roy and helped them reach the Cup Winners' Cup final.

He made over 100 appearances for the Super Premier League outfit in six seasons and produced a string of fantastic performances between the sticks last season.

Renfrew manager Dougie Mitchell tried to sign Bell last year but he has finally managed to secure the keeper's signature.

That means Sexton, who was one of the Frew's most consistent performers last season, has been placed on the transfer list.

Assistant boss Colin Cameron said: "We have brought in Kevin Bell but Dean Sexton is going on the transfer list. The opportunity came along to bring in a Premier League keeper and we would have been mad to let it pass. We are hopeful he can make a difference to the team.

"Kevin has been playing well with Rob Roy and the club have been successful as well. We tried to sign Kevin last season but Rob Roy wanted him to stay but since it was the close season they let him go.

"It leaves Dean as the number two at the club. No disrespect to Dean but Kevin is a better keeper. We would not have brought him in if we didn't think Kevin would be a better goalkeeper.

"We know Kevin would be the number one goalkeeper at the club until he has a run of games where he doesn't merit that position.

"But that won't happen because he is too good a goalkeeper for that to happen."

Cameron praised Sexton's services last season but admitted replacing him with Bell was the right move.

He said: "It is difficult for goalkeepers because outfield players can play a number of position but with keepers, if you aren't the best you're out of the team. Letting go of Dean is difficult but that's football and we are paid to make these difficult decisions.

"Dean's a good keeper and he has done a terrific job for us last season and we wish him all the best. The reason we are letting go of him is because we are bringing in a better goalkeeper.

"We wouldn't be doing that if we didn't think Kevin was a better keeper and that's the bottom line."

Meanwhile, Renfrew have entered this month's Neilston tournament.

This article appeared in The Gazette 23 Jun 10

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